April 15, 2007

Nashik: Shri. Ashokji Singhal, the President of VHP looking after its international matters said that temples should have their independent management system to stop their deteriorating condition. He was addressing the meeting of all India Mutt-Mandir Committee. Shri. Singhal gave example of present position of Dharma and various assaults borne by it. He said that Hindu Dharma has been attacked since thousand of years. But its position was never as bad as it is today. Temple trusts in south India are on the verge of closing. If the management is handed over to atheists, how long will temples trusts can survive? We do not lack leaders as far as religious faith is concerned. But we need to be united.

If 'governmentalization' of temples is prevented, we can arrest damage caused to Dharma and culture. In olden days, temple trusts used to run schools, gou-shalas and wrestling schools so also carry out social activities. Therefore, there was unity among Hindus. All trusts of temples and Mahants (heads) of 'akhadas' should come together."

Acharya Mahamandaleshwar 1008 Mahant Shri. Sudheerdasji Maharaj while explaining about the clauses of the proposed 'Temple Take-over' Act said that the Government has included only Hindus, Jains and Sikhs and deliberately excluded places of worship of Muslims and Christians. The Government should realize that the donations given by devotees belong to the masses and should remain in their hands. Shri. Khemchandji Sharma of VHP said that present condition is the result of diminishing sense of duty and awareness towards Dharma and nation. We are workers of Hindu organizations and we are fighting for temples; but we do not go to temples regularly and if at all we go, we ask for some personal requirements. We never pray for Dharma or for activities related to Dharma, therefore we do not succeed in our mission.

H. Swami Vishweshwaranandji Maharaj said that we need to undertake development activities to improve conditions of places of pilgrimage along with fighting against the Temple take-over Act.

H. Swami Paramatmanandji Maharaj said that money donated by Hindus should be used for Hindus. A committee should be formed to train people on method of performing puja and persons learned in the field should be appointed to impart such training. All Hindu lawyers should come together and fight for the cause. Our people should be told about these Acts.

Source: ' Daily Sanatan Prabhat '

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